COUNCILLOR Christine Marsh has been bestowed the title of honorary alderman by Devon County Council.

The title is traditionally given in recognition of eminent service rendered to a council.

Cllr Marsh served as county councillor for the Okehampton Rural Division for 12 years, getting elected in 2001 and stepping down in 2013. She served on committees including the standards and procedures committee and on the policy overview, children and young people, community services, health overview, and place scrutiny committees. 

She said: 'Over the years I have just been a councillor and done what I think is right, and tried to represent the views of the public as well as I can. This is a nice honour for that work.

'My time on the county council has been very enjoyable. It has been a great learning experience. I have learned a lot about Devon, and it has widened my perspective of the county and its people.'

Cllr Marsh represented the county council on bodies including Dartmoor National Park Authority, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Committee, the Devon Historic Buildings Trust and the Meldon Viaduct Trust. She has also been heavily involved with a number of community groups in her spare time, including the Okement Rivers Improvement Group.

Christine chaired the county council in 2010/11. Other roles include former chairman of the procedures committee in 2010/11. 

She is a member of West Devon Borough Council and is currently deputy mayor of West Devon. Christine was mayor of Okehampton between 1998 and 2003.

Fellow Tory Kevin Ball took over the Okehampton Rural Division following the local elections earlier this year after Christine stepped down from the post.

Cllr Ball said: 'Christine is known as Mrs Okehampton, and with good reason. I'd say you would be hard pressed to find something in the town she has not been involved with at some point. That says a lot about her.

'She has great passion and drive, and sees things through. That has been a part of her success through local politics, making her way up to chair of the county council, which is a great privilege in itself.

'Christine is dependable, and always puts the needs of the community before any party politics. I think that is highly commendable. Her dedication to the Okement Rivers Improvement Group is a demonstration of that commitment to the community.

'I first met her one Edwardian Evening, when she was mayor of Okehampton. Our family had moved into the town a matter of days before the event, and she was outside the town hall in her robes. She invited us up into the hall to look around the council chambers. That gesture really struck me.

'It was typical Christine. She is inclusive and always wants to help people.

'On a personal level, I really appreciate the support and encouragement she has given me from starting as a town councillor through to my role as Okehampton Rural Division member for Devon County Council. I would definitely consider her a friend.'

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'It is truly magnificent that Christine's dedicated service to the town and county has been acknowledged and that she is now an Alderman.

'I would like to congratulate her on behalf of the people of Okehampton for all the dedicated years of service both to Okehampton, being mayor for many years, as well as to the county as our county councillor, and also in previously serving as chairman of the county council.

'Well done Alderman Marsh.'